Birdine June Stykel

Birdine June Stykel, 82, of German Valley, died Monday August 3, 2020 at Presence St Joseph Center in Freeport. She was born May 20, 1938 in Freeport Il. the daughter of Walter and Lily (Elmer) Ingold. Birdine married the love of her life, Marvin Stykel September 12, 1959 in Freeport, IL, and lived in German Valley, IL all their lives in the home Marvin built. Birdine grew up in Freeport and graduated from Freeport Public schools. While in high school, she entered the 'candy striper' program at Deaconess and St Francis hospitals. This choice, along with attending St Anthony's School of Nursing would lead her into a career in nursing that would span 47 years. During her career she would serve both 'in-hospital' and also in public health as school nurse for both Forreston and Freeport School districts. Throughout her long career, she achieved both her Bachelor and Master's degrees in Nursing all while balancing kids and career, as well as husband and household. Her incredible achievements were matched equally by her love for others demonstrated by innumerable and frequent acts of charity. Birdine was a life long member of Silver Creek Reformed Church and had a profound love for her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed supporting them each and all in their many differing sporting and school-centered activities. Birdine is survived by her children, Michael Stykel of Rockford, IL, Scott (Linda) Stykel of Freeport, IL, Lori Tessendorf of chandler, AZ, and Darin (Jessica) Stykel of Freeport, IL grandchildren, Jennica (Anthony Scott) Tessendorf, Kirstin (Dalton) Schenck, Alex Stykel, Kate Stykel, Cole Stykel, and Ty Stykel; and three great-grandchildren, Trace Scott, Athena Schneck, and Liam Schneck. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, her parents and two brothers, Eugene and Dwayne Ingold. The family would like to extend our deep and heart-felt thanks to all her many friends and caregivers at Presence St Joseph's Center, as well as Hospice, for the loving care she received throughout these past 2 years and during her final weeks. "Birdie" loves you all! Thank you to Pastor Grant Mulder for all of the comfort and spiritual guidance he provided these past 2 years. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 8, 2020 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Visitation 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been establihsed in Birdine's memory. Please sign her guestbook and share a remembrance at www.burketubbs.com